Secured tablecloth

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a tablecloth that, although appearing to be a regular overhanging tablecloth, is secured to the table by a skirt that is sewn to the tablecloth and which connects to the table such that the tablecloth will not blow off in the wind. Preferably, the skirt surrounds the entire peripheral edge of the table and is secured to the table by an elastic edge.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of prior filed provisional application, Application No. 60/406,335.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a tablecloth, which is secured to the table without revealing the means of securement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Tablecloths are used for covering the tops of tables to protect the table, and to provide an esthetic appearance to the table. Fitted tablecloths are well known and provide a secure covering for a table that will not shift or blow off in the wind. However, fitted tablecloths do not overhang the edges of the table and as such do not hide unattractive furniture or provide a formal appearance.

[0004] Skirting systems, which provide an overhang around the peripheral edge of a fitted tablecloth are also well known. However, skirting systems require some form of attaching device for the skirt to the peripheral edge of a table, such as clips or snaps, which require labor to secure, and provide an appearance of a separate cloth and skirt. As such, there is a need for a one-piece tablecloth which can be secured to a table, and provide a look of an overhanging tablecloth.

[0005] Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a one piece tablecloth with an overhang that does not shift, slide, or require adjustment. It is a further object of this invention to provide an overhanging tablecloth that will not be disturbed by the wind, or be pulled off by an infant or person rising from the table.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention is a tablecloth that, while appearing to be a regular overhanging tablecloth, is secured to a table by a skirt that is sewn to the underside of a tablecloth and which connects to the table. Preferably, the skirt that is sewn to the tablecloth surrounds the entire peripheral edge of the table.

[0007] In contrast to known tablecloths, this tablecloth provides the look of an overhanging tablecloth, while providing some of the advantages of a fitted tablecloth, such as security from the wind and from being dislodged by persons using the table.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Further features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, given by way of example, of a preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0009]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the tablecloth;

[0010]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tablecloth on a table; and

[0011]FIG. 3 is a sectional view along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 a tablecloth 10 comprises a sheet of material 14, and a skirt 16 connected to the sheet of material 14 such that when the sheet of material 14 is placed over a table 18, the skirt 16 attaches to the underside of the table 18 by elastic corners 20 to secure the sheet of material 14 to the table 18.

[0013] Referring to FIG. 2, in the preferred embodiment the sheet of material 14 has a similar shape to the surface of the table 18 so that when the sheet of material 14 is placed over the surface of the table 18 it freely overhangs the peripheral edges of the table 18. The skirt 16 has one edge sewn to the sheet of material 14 such that the seam 12 of the skirt 16 and the sheet of the material 14 are slightly within the peripheral edge of the table 18. The other edge of the skirt is secured to the table 18 by elastic corners 20. The overhanging sheet of material 14 disguises the skirt 16 and therefore, although the sheet of material 14 is secured to the surface of the table 18, the appearance of a freely overhanging tablecloth is achieved.

[0014] Although elastic corners are used to secure the sheet of material 14 onto the table 18, other means such as ties, a drawstring, or VELCRO® may be used to secure the skirt 16 to the table 18. Further, although a skirt 16 that surrounds the entire peripheral edge of the table 18 is shown in the preferred embodiment, the skirt 16 may be sewn so that pockets are formed only at the corners of a table that is not round.

[0015] Accordingly, while this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments, which fall within the true scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A tablecloth for covering a table having a top surface and a peripheral edge, comprising: (a) a sheet of material dimensioned larger than said top surface such that said sheet of material covers said peripheral edge of said table; and (b) a skirt having a sheet edge and a table engaging edge, said skirt operative to secure said sheet of material to said table: (i) said sheet edge connected to said sheet of material within a region of said sheet of material covering said surface; (ii) said table engaging edge operative to engage said peripheral edge of said table and attach said skirt to said table.
 2. The tablecloth according to claim 1, wherein said sheet of material covers said skirt when said sheet of material falls over said peripheral edge.
 3. The tablecloth according to claim 1, wherein said table engaging edge is tensioned over said peripheral edge elastically.
 4. The tablecloth according to claim 1, wherein said table engaging edge is secured over said peripheral edge by strips of fastening material located on said table engaging edge that can be adjustably interlocked.
 5. The tablecloth according to claim 1, wherein said table engaging edge is secured over said peripheral edge by a drawstring.
 6. The tablecloth according to claim 1, wherein said skirt is co-extensive with said peripheral edge.
 7. The tablecloth according to claim 1, wherein said skirt is partially co-extensive with said peripheral edge.
 8. The tablecloth according to claim 1, wherein said surface is round.
 9. The tablecloth according to claim 1, wherein said surface is rectangular.
 10. The tablecloth according to claim 1, wherein said surface is square.
 11. The tablecloth according to claim 1, wherein said surface is oval. 